Mescalero's Via to pursue Master's degree at the University of New Mexico

Elaina Via, a 2010 graduate of Mescalero Apache School, received a Bachelors of Arts degree in Native American studies, with a focus on indigenous communities and a minor in athletic coaching, from the University of New Mexico December 2014.

Via began attending Mescalero Schools in the fourth grade. During her high school career, Via was selected as the school's homecoming queen.

She lettered in both basketball and track, for shot put and discus, with the Lady Chiefs. Via also was the manager for the football team. Via was an honors student throughout her high school career and graduated Valedictorian.

Upon graduation, Via received several scholarships, including a scholarship to the University of Arizona, where she attended college for the first semester of her freshman year.

Via then transferred to UNM and was twice named to the Dean's List.

Based on academic achievement, she also was awarded a Memo of Understanding, which waived her tuition for one semester. She is a member of the National Honor Society.

Via represented her tribe as Miss Mescalero XXXV during 2013 and 2014, traveling to various reservations and other areas. She represented Native America students from UNM at a conference in Oklahoma and was recognized at an Arizona Diamondbacks baseball game.

Via is a key player in organizing a national leadership conference for Native American college students.

She plans to continue her education at UNM in the fall, pursuing a Master's degree in Athletic Administration.